09.05.09 The 3rd Key for Evaluating a Prospective Partner's Social Maturity and Willingness to Build Effective Support Systems

3. Does the Person's Communication Display Socially Awareness and Respectful?

Evaluate how the prospective partner communicates in social settings. Does the person speak within the context and in consideration of the people present,; or does she or he interrupt, dominate conversations or ignore the atmosphere around?

Elizabeth must have noticed Zechariah’s ability to be socially aware and respectful when communicating with the community. For instance, during the discussion surrounding their child’s name, relatives had assumed that the boy would be named after his father and the conversation was moving in that direction. However, Zechariah did not allow confusion or disagreement to grow within the gathering, neither did he get worked up. Instead, he wrote clearly, “His name is John” (Luke 1:63). His response settled the discussion and restored clarity within the family circle.

Flavia’s communication often showed little awareness of the social setting her and Leonard were in. At a professional dinner she interrupted ongoing conversations and made sarcastic, passive aggressive remarks. Her tone became sharp when Leonard acknowledged the contribution of a female colleague, creating visible discomfort among the people present. Rather than strengthening the atmosphere of the gathering, her communication disrupted the ambience.

A socially-mature prospective partner communicates in a way that displays awareness and consideration of the people and setting were you are. The person's conversations remain constructive, respectful, measured and empathetic, which strengthens rather than straining the relationships within your social circles.